Today, March 5th, marks the one-year anniversary of Eviction Record Sealing. Did you know an old eviction filing, even one that was dismissed, can follow a renter for life? For far too long, these records created lasting barriers to housing, limiting opportunities for individuals and families trying to move forward.
One year ago today, on May 5, 2025, Massachusetts changed that trajectory. With the passage of eviction record sealing, eligible tenants now have the opportunity to clear their records, opening doors to stable housing and a fresh start.
Across the Commonwealth, tenants can now petition the court to seal certain eviction records, depending on the case and its outcome. Once sealed, these records can no longer be reported by consumer reporting agencies, helping ensure that past housing challenges don’t stand in the way of future opportunities.
Mayor Dominick Pangallo and the City of Salem are proud to support this transformative law, which strengthens housing equity and gives residents a fair shot at stability in an increasingly challenging market. Mayor Pangallo states, “Eviction record sealing is about second chances. It ensures that one difficult chapter does not define someone’s entire housing future.”
This milestone also reflects a full year of local commitment to making sure residents know their rights and can benefit from this change.
As Housing Stability Coordinator, Lori Stewart shares:
“Eviction sealing is already helping remove a long-standing barrier to housing and giving families a real opportunity to move forward. Since its inception, the City of Salem has focused on outreach to our residents and education to the Salem community about this law.” In its first year, 6,284 petitions have already been filed — demonstrating both the need for and the impact of this critical tool for housing justice.
If you are a Salem resident and need help to seal your eviction record, please contact the Salem Housing Stability Coordinator or learn more about your rights and eligibility at www.SealMyEviction.org.